Lighted Ultrasonic Handpiece and Color Code Grip System

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a dental scaling translucent insert which provides a coaxially aligned light adjacent the distal end of such insert for illuminating the tip of the dental scaler which light may be provided by light emitting from a fiber optic light guide from a light source located remotely from the tip. The light provided can also be used to view through a camera lens system located in translucent insert to provide a clear unobstructed view of the work at the tip of the scaler on a remote screen or for recording.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 10/249,165 filedMar. 19, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,150,629.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a medical or dental handpiece;specifically to an ultrasonic handpiece providing a independentlycontrolled light source connected through an interchangeable and easilyidentifiable grip on an ultrasonic insert adjacent the end of thehandpiece for illuminating the surface to be engaged by the tip of thehandpiece and which may additionally provide a camera lens for viewingthe work area without interference with the work performed.

2. Description of the Related Art

The present invention relates to an ultrasonic tool, which can be adental scaler, or—alternatively—a scalpel, additionally providing alight directed from the handpiece of the tool toward the work surface onwhich the tip or blade is engaged. For ease of description, applicantdiscloses the dental scaling embodiment, but an ultrasonic scalpel canbe fabricated from the present disclosure without departure from thecoverage of this application.

Light emission from an operator's handpiece allows the operator a clearand unobstructed lighted surface on which the dental scaling tip works.This permits the operator of the scaling tip to readily see the teethand gums or dental appliances (i.e. implants, crowns, bridges or thelike) while using the ultrasonic dental scaler. Heretofore, light froman outside source such a pole mounted dental light or headlamp systemshines in the back of the working area and is blocked from the workingarea by the hand or body of the operator or by the patient's body,tongue, or teeth. Light directed from a distal edge of the handpiecewill provide the necessary illumination directly onto the working areawithout shadows or other impediments. Although various prior art devicesdisclosed mounting a light or light source in the handpiece, so far asknown to applicant, no prior art provides a light path through theinsert grip to guide remotely generated light to the tip of the scaler.This provides features not heretofore available in the industry. Forexample, the presence of a bulb in the handpiece is eliminated therebyeliminating the heat associated with this proximal light source.

Each insert tip is retained in a grip which provides a light guide whichtherefore remains in fixed spatial relationship with the tip to beilluminated. Since the light is driven by its own separate power supply,it may remain illuminated throughout the procedure and is not dependentupon the ultrasonic drive circuit to power the light required by otherprior art devices. This feature allows the light to be used for viewingof the mouth of the patient and further allows the light to remain at afixed intensity throughout the procedure despite variations inelectrical power caused by the loading of the coil which energizes theultrasonic stack, or piezoelectric crystal.

Since the power supply to the light source is separate and apart fromthe power supply to the coil in the magnetostrictive ultrasonicarrangement, there is no frequency distortion caused by the use ornon-use of the lamp to interfere with the power harmonics of the coil.Finally, the inserts will always be useable with the conventionalhandpieces since the light source connection need not connected to apower supply to operate the magnetostrictive stack. Since the gripprovides a light source, it may also provide a camera lens to capturethe view of the work surface as the technician performs the necessaryoperation.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention is a lighted ultrasonic handpiece providing adental scaling tip or alternatively a scalpel, a velocity transducerconnected to said tip, an ultrasonic stack connected to said velocitytransducer inserted in a grip having a longitudinally aligned lightguide from a light source remote from the magnetostrictive stack insert(or an alternative piezoelectric crystal oscillator), and a lightconductor connected to said light source for guiding light from a remotelight source to the distal end of said insert.

The improved lighted ultrasonic dental scaling insert features a scalingtip, a velocity transducer connected to said scaling tip, an ultrasonicstack connected to said velocity transducer inserted through a gripadapted for connection with a dental scaling handpiece of the presentinvention. An interchangeable grip sheath can be ergonomically formfitted to more easily allow the operator to grip the ultrasonic devicefor long periods of time without muscle fatigue or cramping.Additionally, the interchangeable grip sheath may be color coded topermit the operator to readily identify a preferred handpiece fromamongst a number of similar designed handpieces. This ability tovisually determine the instrument being accessed by virtue of the colorcoding and the ability to use an ergonimically designed sheath adaptableto the hand of the operator fosters a less stressful clinical settingfor both the dental technician and the patient.

The light source terminus in the handpiece abutts the translucent gripbody and is connected to a light transmission cable permitting thetransmission through the terminus into the interior of the grip coveredby the sheath. A light source, which may be switched on or off andregulated to increase or decrease light intensity through the lighttransmission cable provides illumination through cable to the lightsource terminus. As previously noted, an ergonomic resilient and opaquesheath is retained over the translucent grip body to permit comfortableuse of the ultrasonic device and also blocks ambient light from escapingfrom the translucent grip at any point except the distal end of the gripadjacent the tip.

Alternatively, the lighted ultrasonic handpiece can provide a partiallytranslucent grip body providing a longitudinal passage through which anultrasonic velocity transducer is connected to a tip and energized by anultrasonic generator driving a in said handpiece having a light sourceterminus abutting said translucent grip body providing illuminationthrough the grip body to a distal end of the grip body adjacent a tipand a light cable connected to said light source terminus providingillumination from a remote source to the light source terminus; and, aresilient ergonomic opaque sheath covering said grip thereby preventingthe light from leaving the translucent grip body at any position exceptits distal tip. Since the sheath may be readily and easily slip on andoff the grip, it can be colored to provide visual identification to theoperator of the type and configuration of the tip and light system beingutilized. This facilitates easy and quick use of a number of tips forbusy dental hygienists who may prefer one tip over an alternative designfor a given problem.

The ultrasonic handpiece grip system of the present invention can alsobe fashioned with a molded body having a longitudinal passagetherethrough; and, a translucent insert, such as a fiber optic channel,to transmit light from the handpiece light terminus to the grip insert,which provides an exterior surface for engaging an elastomeric opaquesheath and further providing a passage for the insertion of a velocitytransducer and water path to the distal tip of the grip system andpermitting the passage of light through the interior of the molded bodyto the distal end of the grip body to illuminate the adjacent distaltip.

Additionally, the ultrasonic handpiece grip system of the presentinvention can be fashioned with a lens located at the distal end of thegrip and an optical image transmission path for connection to a video orphotographic viewing system mounted at a remote location.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the dentalscaling insert, grip and sheath of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view perspective view of the light ring of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the grip and sheath on theinsert with the light ring and handpiece of the present invention.

FIG. 4A is an end view of the cylindrical sheath around the translucentinsert of the present invention.

FIG. 4B is a perspective side view of the cylindrical sheath around thetranslucent insert of the present invention.

FIG. 5A is an end view of the triangular sheath around the translucentinsert of the present invention.

FIG. 5B is a perspective side view of the triangular sheath around thetranslucent insert of the present invention.

FIG. 6A is an end view of the tapered backed to front sheath around thetranslucent insert of the present invention.

FIG. 6B is a perspective side view of the tapered back to front sheatharound the translucent insert of the present invention.

FIG. 7A is an end view of the concave sheath around the translucentinsert of the present invention.

FIG. 7B is a perspective side view of the concave sheath around thetranslucent insert of the present invention, showing a scalpel tip.

FIG. 8A is an end view of the alternative tapered front to back sheatharound the translucent insert of the present invention.

FIG. 8B is a perspective side view of the alternative tapered front toback sheath around the translucent insert of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional end view of the segmented insert fabricatedfrom two translucent halves.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional end view of the segmented insert fabricatedwith a portion of one half of the insert translucent and the remainingportions opaque.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional end view of the segmented insert fabricatedwith a fiber optic pathway to transmit light from the light ring to thedistal end of the insert.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional side view of an alternative bayonet lightconnector having a male and a female connector.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional end view of the alternative bayonet lightconnector of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional side view of an alternative embodiment of alens system mounted in the grip system of the present invention topermit the transmission of images of the work surface to a remotelylocated camera or video display system.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional end view of an alternative embodiment ofthe lens support system of FIG. 14 above.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a camera lens snub assembly whichallows the camera to be used at the end of a standard ultrasonic dentalappliance for recording or viewing the work without being encumbered bythe tip system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a dental scaling insert providing atranslucent path from a light source to the end of the handpiece througha translucent grip covered by an ergonomically designed resilientsheath. In a preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1, insert system I iscomprised of a magnetostrictive stack 14 typically formed of nickel ornickel alloy plates in a manner well known to those skilled in this art,which are soldered together and which respond to electrical energysupplied by coil 19 encircling stack 14 in the handpiece H. Stack 14 isconnected to a velocity transducer 16 which is connected to a scalingtip 18 and which is covered with grip 10. Grip 10 is formed from twosegments or pieces of high grade plastic, for example, such as apolycarbonate, that provide a profile on their interior surface toretain the velocity transducer 16. In this embodiment, one or more teeth13 are provided on the exterior lateral surfaces of the velocitytransducer 16 to prevent rotation of the velocity transducer in theinterior passage of the grip 10. Velocity transducer 16 may be integralwith scaling tip 18 or may be threaded to provide threaded connectionwith scaling tip 18. Velocity transducer 16 provides a longitudinalpathway 26 for the delivery of water through port 24 in transducer 16 toscaling tip 18.

The handpiece H is connected with cable bundle C which provides theelectrical connection to the remote power supply (not shown) to drivethe magnetostrictive insert, a water supply to cool stack 14 and rinsethe affected area in the patient's mouth or gum being cleaned throughthe water pathway 26, and to the light source by either fiber opticcabling FO or liquid light cabling (not shown).

Translucent grip 10 provides a light path for light provided at itsproximal end 30 by light ring 20 to a distal end of grip 10 where thelight emitted is adjacent the tip of dental scaler 18. Light ring 20 ispositioned adjacent the proximal end of translucent grip 10 and retainedthere by a recessed lip 31 in handpiece H, as more closely described inFIG. 3. Insert 10 is compressively engaged in the handpiece H with oneor more O-rings 15 as more clearly shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 2 more clearly demonstrates a method of connecting a fiber opticcable FO to the light ring 20, which is held adjacent the proximal end30 of the insert 10. The fiber optic cabling FO is splayed and theindividual fibers are affixed to a lateral edge of the light ring 20. Anepoxy can be used to attach the ends of the fiber optic FO individualfibers to the ring 20. An alternative embodiment of the light deliverysystem is disclosed in FIGS. 12 and 13.

Insert grip alone 10 is hard and difficult to hold over an extendedperiod of time. Accordingly, a sheath 15 is engaged over the translucentgrip 10 to provide a larger diameter material that is more readilyconformable to the hand of the operator to reduce the fatigue associatedwith long extended treatment processes. This sheath can be manufacturedusing many types of sterilizable soft or semisoft materials such assilicon rubber. The color and hardness of the material of sheath 15 canbe controlled during the manufacturing process or molding of the sheathby selection of appropriate color and durometer raw material for thefabrication of the sheath. The ColorID® system of the applicant, as morefully described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,328,566, which is incorporated hereinby reference as if fully copied herein, can be coordinated in this gripsystem to provide an easily identifiable system of scaling tip and shapeto the dental hygienist.

Additionally, sheath 15 can be fabricated to provide a number ofdiffering shapes of exterior surfaces to conform more ergonomically tothe hand and preference of the dental hygienist. A variety of shapeswill be more fully described herein. To retain sheath 15 on grip 10, theexterior surface of grip 10 can be roughened or ribbed 46 to provideresistance to movement of the sheath on the grip. Since sheath 15 isresilient, the operator will slip the desired shape and color on grip 10and the roughened or ribbed exterior surface 46 of the grip will allowsheath 15 to remain fixed on grip 10 without substantial movement.

Sheath 15 can also be installed by slipping it over other manufacturer'sultrasonic inserts to give the operator the ability to use the ColorID®system to identify the insert for the hygienist. Since sheath 15 can bereadily slipped on and off the grip 10 of the present invention, anynumber of differing color schemes and shapes may be used by the operatorto suit the operator's preferences. The sheath may be marketed inassorted packages or ordered in one preferred color and style as thehygienist prefers. Once received the sheaths may be inserted over thegrip 10, sterilized and used by the hygienist.

As may be readily appreciated from FIG. 11, grip 10 can be fabricated toalso provide a similar path for a light guide in the form of a fiberoptic bundle. The use of a remote light source and control circuiteliminates the need for a light emitting diode or incandescent bulb inthe grip or handpiece, but still allows the light to remain on withoutpower being used in the scaler tip. The remote control circuit containsa heat sink, miniaturized ballast and ultrasonic generator circuitry(which can be either for driving a magnetostrictive or a piezoelectricdevice) and a circuit for powering and control a high intensity lightsystem. An incandescent bulb, a quartz halogen arc or a high intensitylight emitting diode lamp or any other high intensity light emissionsource may be adapted for use in the remotely located source and can beindependently monitored by the circuitry of the remote control devicewhich can provide an automatic shutoff after detection of either aperiod of inactivity of the ultrasonic circuitry or dangeroustemperature build up in the lamp section, or both. A rheostat can alsobe provided in the remote power supply to adjust the level of intensityof the light delivered to the distal tip end of the ultrasonic device.Each of these enhancements are readily accomplished by a person havingordinary skill in this art field. Since the light source is operatedindependent of the dental scaling handpiece, the control may alsoprovide means for permitting the attachment of a headlamp for the use ofthe operator. Light is delivered to the handpiece H by either a fiberoptic cable bundle FO, or by a liquid light guide cable (not shown),such as may be obtained from Rofin Australia Pty, Ltd., for example.Additionally, as more fully described subsequently in this application,an alternative embodiment can be provided with a lens and cableconnection affixed in the grip to permit imaging of the process at thetip of the dental scaler.

FIG. 3 discloses the perspective view of the light ring of the presentinvention showing light ring 20 connected to a multi-stranded fiberoptic cable FO which runs through handpiece H of FIG. 1 with each ofsuch fibers being attached to the exterior lateral surface of the lightring. Light ring 20 provides an outer diameter which fits inside agroove 31 provided in handpiece H adjacent the proximal end 30 oftranslucent insert or grip 10. The light from the light source reachesthe light ring 20 and is diffused throughout the ring and therebytransmitted to the translucent insert or grip 10. The light is therebytransmitted through insert 10 to the exposed distal end of the insertsystem I to provide light to the work surface adjacent the tip 18.Sheath 15 covers the grip to allow the operator to comfortably hold theultrasonic scaling device. FIG. 3 shows insert 10 with a threadedvelocity transducer 16 to permit the interchange of scaling tips to thevelocity transducer in an alternative manner.

FIG. 4A is an end view of an alternative cylindrical form of sheath 15mounted on conjoined inserts 10A and 10B which support scaling tip 18 onvelocity transducer 16 (not seen in this view). FIG. 4B is a side viewof the cylindrical sheath 15.

FIG. 5A is an end view of another alternative triangular form of sheath15 mounted on the conjoined inserts 10A and 10B which support scalingtip 18 on velocity transducer 16. FIG. 5B is a side view of triangularsheath 15.

FIG. 6A is an end view of another alternative tapered conical form ofsheath 15 mounted on the conjoined inserts 10A and 10B which supportscaling tip 18 on velocity transducer 16. FIG. 6B is a side view of thetapered conical form of sheath 15.

FIG. 7A is an end view of another concave form of sheath 15 mounted onthe conjoined inserts 10A and 10B mounting a scalpel blade 18A on theend of the velocity transducer. FIG. 7B is a side view of this form ofsheath 15 showing the scalpel blade, which is an alternative use of thepresent invention.

FIG. 8A is an end view of another view of a tapered conical form ofsheath 15 showing a taper from large at the distal end to small at theproximal end. FIG. 8B is a side view of this alternative tapered conicalform of sheath 15.

As previously noted, the insert system I of the present invention canprovide a number of alternative arrangements which remain within thescope and intent of the present disclosure. For example, FIG. 9 shows anend view of two halves of the translucent polycarbonate insert body thatare ultrasonically welded together to form insert 10. As previouslynoted, the interior surface of the two halves provides a profile toretain velocity transducer 16. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 10, aportion of one half of insert 10 can be fabricated translucent with theremainder opaque. Portions 10A and 10B could be fabricated astranslucent polycarbonate or any other well known materials whileportion 10C is opaque, to reduce the amount of light reaching the distaltip of insert 10. Conversely, portion 10C may be fabricated astranslucent and portions 10A and 10B can be fabricated as opaque.Additionally, as shown in FIG. 11, fiber optic bundle FO can be laid ina portion of the insert shell 10A that is then conjoined with portion10B to form an insert. The fiber optic bundle would allow the lighttransmission to flow from the remote lamp to the distal end of theinsert system I. Other arrangements may be derived from this disclosurewithout departing from the spirit of this disclosure or the inventiondisclosed herein.

Another embodiment permitting the connection of the fiber optic bundleFO through a bayonet connection 12 in handpiece H to a female receptacle11 in insert 10 is disclosed in FIG. 12. Insert 10 (shown without avelocity transducer 16) is fashioned with female receptacle 11, whichmates with male bayonet end 12 of the fiber optic bundle FO. Light istransmitted through the fiber optic cabling to the insert afterhandpiece end 31 is brought into mating arrangement with the proximalsurface 30 of insert body 10.

FIG. 13 is a partial end view of bayonet end 12 of the fiber optic FOcabling showing the relative location of the bayonet with the centralcore of the handpiece H. The interior of said bayonet connection 12 isfilled with the terminus ends of the fiber optic cable fibers.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of thelighted ultrasonic handpiece and grip system with camera lens andoptical pathway. As can be appreciated, mounting a camera lens system100 and connecting such camera lens through a return fiber optic cablebundle 110 permits the hygienist to view the area around the tip on alarge screen. Since the lighting provided is adequate to illuminate thework area, the hygienist can record or permit other dental health careproviders to view the scaling activity and to view the health of thegums and teeth adjacent the dental scaling tip. Utilizing the system asan ultrasonically driven scalpel would permit the surgeon to permitcolleagues to view the incision being made in real time at the tip ofthe scalpel.

FIG. 14 discloses a cross-sectional view of the grip assembly providinga male-female bayonet connection (11, 12) for the fiber optic lightguide FO into the translucent grip body 10 and a fiber optic linkbayonet connection 120-30B to the camera lens 100 and integrated fiberoptic fiber or endoscopic tubing 110 disposed in grip 10, providing aconnector 120 to convey images obtained by the lens 100 from the spaceadjacent the distal end of grip 10 to the fiber optic bundle 130 forprocessing by the imaging portion of the camera contained within theremote control device not shown. The provision of a CCD or other opticaldevice to capture the image provided by a remote lens/fiber optic cablesystem is well known technology to those skilled in the art of makingand using dental and medical equipment.

FIG. 15 is an end cross-sectional view of the light providing handle Hproviding bayonet connections for both the light delivering fiber opticFO bundle (11-12) to the grip system and the lens providing imaging(100-110-30B). When connected to the grip the light providing introducesan appropriate level and frequency of light into grip 10 forillumination of the distal end of the grip and the camera lens 100obtains and permits an image to be returned through grip 10 in fiberoptic cable or endoscopic tube 110 to connector 120 which mates withreceptacle 30B which is connected to fiber optic cable 130 for return tothe control box containing the image processor. A variety of viewingangles may be chosen from 0° (straight ahead) to 90° (at a right angleto the longitudinal axis of the insert).

In the embodiment of tubing 110 inserted into grip 10, connector 120mates with the tube through connector 30B in the light ring 30A. Othermethods of providing a path to and a connection with the fiber opticcabling FO can be provided without departing from the spirit or intentof the present disclosure.

Further, it may be useful to provide a lighted camera which may bereadily held by the hygienist for viewing the gums, teeth or otherportions of the mouth either before or after the procedure. FIG. 16discloses an alternative embodiment of the present lighted handpiecewhich provides a lighted insert 10, with sheath 15, inserted inhandpiece H of a standard ultrasonic scaler, but which only provides alight path and camera lens and optical system for viewing the work areaunimpeded by the presence of the tip system. The grip 10 is closed atits distal end providing sufficient light for the camera lens 100 togather an unobstructed view of the gums which is returned to the opticalsystem through fiber optic cabling 110 to the handpiece and its fiberoptic cabling 130.

One skilled in the art will realize that the embodiments disclosed areillustrative and that the scope and content of the invention is to bedetermined by the scope of the claims.

1. An ultrasonic apparatus comprising: an ultrasonic driver connected toa velocity transducer; an annular translucent insert disposed on thevelocity transducer; and a light source abutting a proximal end of theannular translucent insert.
 2. The ultrasonic apparatus of claim 1further comprising an opaque sheath over the annular translucent insert.3. The ultrasonic apparatus of claim 1 wherein the annular translucentinsert is formed with one or more fiber optic bundles runningtherethrough.
 4. The ultrasonic apparatus of claim 2 wherein the annulartranslucent insert provides external ridges to inhibit movement of theopaque sheath positioned thereon.
 5. The ultrasonic apparatus of claim 2wherein the annular translucent insert provides an indented externalsurface to restrain movement of the opaque sheath retained thereon. 6.The ultrasonic apparatus of claim 1 wherein the velocity transducer isconnected to a scaling tip.
 7. The ultrasonic apparatus of claim 1wherein the velocity transducer is connected to a scalpel.
 8. Theultrasonic apparatus of claim 1 wherein the ultrasonic driver is amagnetostrictive stack device.
 9. The ultrasonic apparatus of claim 1wherein the ultrasonic driver is a piezoelectric crystal device.
 10. Theultrasonic apparatus of claim 1 wherein the annular translucent insertprovides a light path from the proximal end to a distal end of theannular translucent insert.
 11. The ultrasonic apparatus of claim 1wherein the annular translucent insert is an at least partiallytranslucent annular insert.
 12. The ultrasonic apparatus of claim 1wherein the velocity transducer is optically opaque.
 13. The ultrasonicapparatus of claim 1 wherein the annular translucent insert furtherprovides a camera lens on a distal end optically connected through theannular translucent insert to the proximal end.
 14. The ultrasonicapparatus of claim 14 wherein an optical connection in the annulartranslucent insert and a fiber optic bundle are mated to permittransmission of images from the camera lens to a remote image processingsystem.
 15. An ultrasonic handpiece grip comprising: a molded grip bodyhaving a longitudinal passage therethrough; and a light guide comprisingan annular translucent insert disposed on a velocity transducer andproviding an exterior surface for engaging the molded grip body withinthe longitudinal passage and permitting passage of light through themolded grip body to a distal end of the molded grip body.
 16. Theultrasonic handpiece grip of claim 16 wherein the velocity transducer isoptically opaque.
 17. The ultrasonic handpiece grip of claim 16 whereinthe molded grip body is an interchangeable, user-selected, molded gripbody.
 18. The ultrasonic handpiece grip of claim 16 wherein the moldedgrip body is selectively colored for visually distinguishing theultrasonic handpiece grip from a similar handpiece grip having adiffering colored exterior surface.
 19. The ultrasonic handpiece grip ofclaim 16 wherein the annular translucent insert further provides acamera lens on a distal end optically connected through the annulartranslucent insert to a proximal end.